Canal cruises amsterdam

about us

—Cruise differently

Meet Captain dave

—and his team of lively captains

Captain Dave’s specialty is the morning.
“You can always wake me up for an Early Morning cruise. So unique.”

Hi, my name is Dave born and raised in Amsterdam. I live with my wife, son, and daughter close to the Jordaan.

At the end of 2017 I decided to quit my job, to rent a luxury boat and to do what I love best, cruising through the Amsterdam canals.

What started with one cruise grew into a small company with a dedicated team. In 2020 I had the opportunity to take over the workflow of—not just any boat, the Jonckvrouw, a 1928 saloon boat with a story.

Our canal cruises are informative, fun, and entertaining, sure to be the highlight of your visit. We cruise like a local in a small group (up to 12 guests). Rain or shine!

Dave

founder captain dave amsterdam

Our Team

We, Anna, Dave, Fons, Hans, Hassan, Jan, Jasper, Klaas, Romin and Tony, are a team of fully licensed captains with one thing in common: we are storytellers and love to share our passion for the city, the canals, and Amsterdam’s life in a lively way.

Our vision

There are many boat companies in Amsterdam to choose from. Everything is fixed: One hour, one tour, one script. Here’s where we differ; our tours last 90 minutes, our guides are unscripted, our itineraries are flexible, and our tours are fun!

Our mission

We want our guests to connect with the city like we do. That’s why we tell our own stories, share the things we admire, and believe in.

Our boat

The Jonckvrouw is a stunning 1928 saloon boat that adds a unique historical charm to Captain Dave’s canal tours in Amsterdam. The boat is known for its elegance and rich history, having once served prominent figures, including celebrities.

The Jonckvrouw offers a luxurious yet cozy atmosphere with a combination of sliding glass windows, sliding roof and an outer deck for fresh air and a warm, comfortable saloon area inside. Its rich past and refined design create a memorable cruising experience through
Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage Canals

Our tours

Captain Dave Amsterdam tours stand out for their relaxed, non-scripted approach, with personable guides who share entertaining stories and local insights. Each tour includes plenty of refreshments, and the boat itself is a historical gem, adding to the overall experience.

We offer a variety of canal tours in Amsterdam, with each cruise designed to provide a personal and unique experience. Our key options:

Early Morning Cruise (8:00 AM: This peaceful 90-minute tour takes advantage of the quiet canals in the early morning, offering beautiful views of Amsterdam as it wakes up. The small group size (up to 12 people) ensures a relaxed and intimate experience. Complimentary drinks like coffee, tea, and Frisian sugar bread are included.
Morning Cruise (10:00 AM): A slightly later version of the early morning cruise, but still serene and ideal for those who prefer a later start to their day. It includes coffee, tea, and Frisian sugar bread and similar scenic views.
Cruise Like a Local: This 90-minute tour, available in the afternoon or evening, lets you experience the city as locals do, with a flexible route and open bar featuring Heineken, wine, and soft drinks. It’s an entertaining and informative cruise, perfect for learning about Amsterdam’s history while relaxing on a luxurious 1928 saloon boat.
Private Boat Tour:: Ideal for groups of friends, families, or colleagues, this customizable option allows you to rent the boat for a private cruise. The boat can host up to 12 people, and you can tailor the experience with snacks, drinks, and flexible routes.
Festival of Lights: During the winter months, Captain Dave offers a special evening tour for Amsterdam’s Festival of Lights. You can enjoy breathtaking views of light installations along the canals, with mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you warm.

Happy guests

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reviews

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Why choose captain dave's cruises

—our boat experiences are

Comfortable

Saloon
Outer deck
Toilet on board

Personable

your captain
your guide
your host

All-inclusive

BOAT TOUR
CAPTAIN
FLEXIBLE ROUTE

priceless

Small group
Non scripted
Cruise in Style